TOPIC:

I am in week 3 of Daclatasvir/Sofosbuvir treatment for genotype 3. I immediately had more energy after starting the meds and one, brief night of no sleep but my sleep is back to normal. I also was drinking about one energy drink with Taurine, about 4 times a week and now after reading the posts from Dr. Freeman, I will not be drinking anymore and I hope I haven't screwed myself over with what I've already drunk. Earlier this week I woke up with tenderness in my stomach and wasn't able to go to the bathroom. I took Dulcolax and was able to have a bowel movement but now, three days later, I haven't had another bowel movement. Has anyone else had any problems with constipation while on these meds? It's kind of scaring me since I know the liver plays a huge role in digesting food. I had a fibrous score of 0-1 a year and a half ago when I got most of my tests done, but I'm scared about this inability to use the restroom all of a sudden. I know I don't drink enough water, I hate water but I made myself drink some yesterday, still no change. Anyone else have this problem? Thank you in advance.

Hi heatherlou 30,

Sorry to hear that you're suffering ....... I've had digestive problems for years which I've always put down to the hep c. I'm week 10 on the same meds as you, the first few weeks I did have a problem with constipation. I was still managing to go but just not as much as usual, so nothing like as bad as you. However it was unusual for me as I never get constipated. After about 3 - 4 weeks my digestive system got back to normal, so with a bit of luck yours will too. Just hang in there, it will be so worth it when you've got rid of this horrible disease. You could try squatting on the toilet seat as it's a much better position to have a poo, if you can't cope with that then just lean forward as much as possible while sitting on the seat. Hope it helps and you feel better soon.

Hi Heatherlou,

All across medicine we see issues with bowels. There are many options to help regularity.

For me a cereal called sultana bran works wonders, but....

Psyllium husks for fibre are on the natural side.

Lactulose is a non-absorbable sugar that sucks water into your bowels and works as a flush. The advantage is you can dial the intensity up and down easily. 10 ml once a day is like the ultra low setting and 20-30-40 ml two-three-four times a day gets you to power flush levels. If you dial it up too much you simply dial it back a bit.

Hi Heatherlou,
Just remember, that when you increase the dietary fiber you need to increase your fluid intake too. Otherwise if you do not balance the fiber with fluid then it can bind you inside. You say you do not like drinking water, well there are other drinks that are mostly water. Coffee, tea, herbal teas, flavoured water all count for fluid balance. Vegetables and fruits are also full of water and fiber.

Sometimes if people eat less than usual, that leads to constipation too.